Copper Nanoparticles Induce Oxidative Stress via the Heme Oxygenase 1 Signaling Pathway in vitro Studies

Purpose The toxicity of copper nanoparticle (CuNP) exposure in the ovaries has attracted attention recently, but the precise molecular mechanism involved requires further investigation. We investigated the cytotoxicity of CuNPs in ovarian granulosa cells and the protective effect of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) against CuNP-induced damage. Methods Human ovarian granulosa cells (COV434) were treated with CuNPs, and cytotoxicity was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry assays. Oxidative stress was identified using biochemical markers of oxidation and anti-oxidation. The protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), phospho-MAPK14, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and HO-1 were measured by immunoblotting. Subsequently, for oxidative stress parameter detection, the cells were pre-treated with hemin to induce HO-1 expression prior to CuNP treatment. Results Exposure to CuNPs decreased cell viability and the mitochondrial membrane potential, increased the apoptosis rate, and induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, hemin pretreatment induced HO-1 expression in cells, which partially reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species induced by CuNPs and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion CuNPs exert cytotoxic effects on human ovarian granulosa cells by inducing oxidative stress, and may induce HO-1 expression via the MAPK14-Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, HO-1 protects against oxidative stress induced by CuNPs.